Some time ago - late July, in fact - I added Isao Takahata's 1991 Studio Ghibli film, Omohide Poro Poro, to YouTube. It's become popular on the site, dribbling through word-of-mouth and heartfelt curiosity at one of the two remaining Studio Ghibli movies to appear in North America.

Well, readers, I'm happy to report that Omohide Poro Poro has reached 13,000 views on YT. To be fair, this is the first segment (the film had to be cut into 13 segments, as per YouTube's "10-minute rule"). I'm currently scouring through the website to see how that compares to other Ghibli films's traffic.

So pat yourselves on the back for helping to make Takahata's cinema masterpiece a success. My hope is that this added exposure will influence Disney to release the DVD in the States.

That said, here is your homework assignment: first, bring along all of your friends and show them Omohide Poro Poro (you can watch the movie here at Conversations on Ghibli, ovbiously); second, send a polite letter to Disney expressing your love of the film and your desire to see the DVD finally released. Remember, kids, be polite.